By: Alena Wiese

Kent Freshwater doesn’t have a big team, a franchise name, or a viral video series. But what he does have is something many service businesses struggle to maintain: trust, systems, and consistent referrals.

As the founder of a fast-growing lawn care business serving Englewood, Rotonda West, Gulf Cove, Venice, and Port Charlotte, Kent has quietly developed a service model that’s attracting attention from homeowners, investors, and real estate pros across Southwest Florida — especially those looking for accountability over advertising.

“I don’t rely on marketing gimmicks. I rely on doing what I say I’ll do,” Kent says. “And it turns out, that’s what people actually want.

From Side Hustle to Sustainable Businessit 

Kent started like many do — with a mower, a truck, and a handful of customers. But what set him apart wasn’t how fast he worked — it was how consistently he delivered quality.

“I noticed early on that many people had the same complaint,” he says. “Their last lawn guy stopped showing up. I will answer my text messages as soon as I am able,” he said. “While I can’t control the weather or equipment failures, I can keep the lines of communication open.”

Kent solved that with a commitment to reliability and a simple, streamlined customer experience:

• Clients text a photo of their yard
• Kent responds with a quote
• Services are scheduled based on grass type and seasonal needs
• Payments accepted via Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or check
• After each service, he sends before-and-after photos as proof

Service That’s Simple, Scalable, and Smart

Each visit includes:

• Mowing and trimming edges with precision tools
• Blowing off debris from driveways, walkways, and patios
• Hedge trimming and flower bed clean-outs (for regulars)
• Visual inspection for issues like pest damage, irrigation leaks, or storm debris

Kent doesn’t race through jobs — he treats every yard like it’s his own. He knows the soil, the weather, and even the personalities of the neighborhoods he serves. “Every lawn has a rhythm,” he says. “If you pay attention, it tells you what it needs.”

During the rainy season, Kent may schedule weekly visits to stay ahead of Florida’s explosive growth. No one-time mow jobs are accepted — only clients committed to regular monthly maintenance.

“I don’t want to be the guy you call in a panic. I want to be the one you never have to worry about.

Built for Remote Owners and Busy Locals

Kent’s system is ideal for seasonal homeowners, Airbnb or VRBO hosts, retirees, and working families who want lawn care to be set-and-forget.

Some of his longest-standing clients have never met him in person. Others refer him to neighbors, real estate agents, or property managers for one simple reason: he shows up.

“They trust me because they know I’ll text back, send photos, and leave their property better than I found it,” Kent says. “That’s it. That’s the secret.”

Lean, Local, and Long-Term

Kent runs a tight operation by choice. No flashy trucks. No big crews. Just focused execution, professional tools, and systems that scale.

“I’m not trying to be the biggest. I’m trying to be the best,” he says. “I want each lawn to look like a magazine cover — even if no one’s there to see it but me.”

Supporting Local Voices, Too

In addition to running a service-first business, Kent sponsors Suncoast Voice, a local media outlet that highlights:

• Local Legends and small business spotlights
• Wild Voices, Tides and Bites outdoor features
• The Voice Box and neighborhood stories
• Adoptable Pets of the Week
• Free obituary tributes for families

“It’s my way of supporting the area that supports me,” Kent says. “Good businesses are part of the community, not just making money from it.”

A Blueprint for the Future of Home Services

As more people relocate to Florida, buy investment properties, or shift toward hybrid living, on-the-ground reliability is becoming a premium asset. Kent Freshwater has positioned his business for that future by focusing on clarity, quality, and care.

His business is proof that you don’t need to go viral — you just need to deliver

Want to Work With Kent?

Kent is currently accepting new monthly maintenance clients in: Englewood, Venice, Rotonda West, Gulf Cove, and Port Charlotte

Text a photo of your yard to 941-421-6565 for a free quote. See photos of Kent’s work here.
Simple. Honest. Reliable.

No one-time mows. No gimmicks. Just service that speaks for itself.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Kent Freshwater and Kent’s Lawn Services provide lawn care and maintenance services based on their experience and expertise in the field. All claims related to customer satisfaction and service effectiveness are based on individual feedback and experiences. Results may vary.